Our Future Beeston Energy Saving Handbook - Save Money, Save the Planet
Our Future Beeston is a community-centered project focused on tackling climate change and improving the local environment in Beeston. The handbook provides tips on saving energy, water, and money, along with information on available assistance programs. Learn how simple actions like fitting low-flow fixtures and changing habits can have a significant impact on conservation efforts.
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Our Future Beeston Energy Saving Handbook SAVE MONEY SAVE MONEY SAVE THE PLANET SAVE THE PLANET
What is Our Future Beeston? Our Future Beeston community centred project to help get Beeston residents involved with tackling climate change and improving the local environment. We are a people-powered movement to create a zero carbon, socially just, and nature friendly Leeds It s part of the wider Climate Action Leeds project, working across the city for real change. We want to hear your ideas for Beeston, so please contact James to share your thoughts and to find out more. Email: ourfuturebeeston@gmail.com Call: 07543 421 520
Contents 4 Introduction 18 Regularly compare suppliers 5 Saving Water 19- Priority Services Registers 7 Water Meters 20 Tenants Rights 8 Help with Water Bills 21 Better Homes Yorkshire Grants 10 Saving Gas & Electricity 22 Solar Factsheet 13 Smart Meters 23 Climate Anxiety 14 Schemes Available 24 Climate Action Leeds 15 Energy Bill Support 17- Fuel Debt Support 3
Save Energy, Save Money, Save the Planet The cost of living crisis means that people across the country are struggling to afford the basic essentials We are all considering how and where we can save money Domestic fuel bills have risen up to 54% - 14 times more than the average pay rise The Government have some help in place but this may not go far enough, and claiming can be confusing and time consuming This handbook gives advice on how to save energy and money, as well as what help is available to cover costs All the figures are averages from Energy Saving Trust, based on a 2-3 bed house. Figures are accurate as of Autumn 2022. 4
Saving Water DID YOU KNOW TURNING THE TAP OFF WHILE BRUSHING YOUR TEETH CAN SAVE 6 LITRES OF WATER PER MINUTE SHORTER SHOWERS: 1 MINUTE OFF EVERY SHOWER CAN SAVE 35 A YEAR. SHORTER SHOWERS WILL ALSO SAVE MONEY ON GAS! 5
Fitting a low-flow shower head or flow regulators could save 55/year Low-cost ways to save Flushing the toilet uses 9 litres of water. Fitting a cistern displacement device can reduce the amount of water, and can be as simple as a brick or an old plastic bottle WATER COMPANIES SOMETIMES GIVE AWAY FREE CONSERVATION EQUIPMENT Use a watering can instead of a hosepipe If your shower takes time to heat up, catch the cold water in a bucket and use it to flush the toilet or water your plants Use a water butt to water the garden or wash the car 6
Water Meters A water meter means you only pay for the water you use Water rates are based on the number of bedrooms. Generally if you have less people than bedrooms, you ll save money with a meter Water companies now allow you to trial a meter for up to 2 years, so if you don t see the benefit or circumstances change, you can have it removed Average costs with a meter: 7
Help Paying Water Bills www.yorkshirewater.com/help-paying-your-bill WaterSure Scheme Water Support Scheme If you have a water meter, claim an income-based benefit, claim Universal Credit and need to use extra water because you have a medical condition or three or more children, you might be able to get help with the WaterSure scheme If you have a low household income and your annual water bill is more than 421, you might be able to get help with the WaterSupport scheme It s different to WaterSure as it s based purely on income, and you don t need a meter fitted This caps your bill at 421.42 this year, but as it s metered, if you use less, you pay less 8
Help Paying Water Bills www.yorkshirewater.com/help-paying-your-bill Water Direct Arrears/debts If you receive a deductible income- based benefit, we can take payments directly from your benefits. Less hassle, less worry! If you re struggling to catch up on previous water bills, the Resolve scheme could help you be debt-free so you can continue paying your water bill in affordable amounts You can arrange payments through Yorkshire Water by calling: Community Trust Funds can also wipe debts up to 5000 0345 1299 299 You can also arrange a payment holiday 9
LIGHTBULB MOMENT Saving Electricity Turning off lights = 19/year saving Unplugging appliances when not in use could save up to 23% of your yearly bill UNPLUG AND SAVE! 23% of the energy we pay for is used by appliances running in the background Installing low energy bulbs = 50/year saving Washing at 30 instead of 40 uses 40% less energy. Defrost fridges and freezers to ensure fans can regulate temperature efficiently Ensure you have a full load before putting a wash on, this saves electricity and water! Keep fridges/freezers full, as solid items stay cold longer than empty space. A bag of ice is perfect for this and the appliance kicks in less as a result Hang clothes outside or on an airer when possible - tumble dryers cost around 200/year to run 10
KEEP WARM, SAVE MONEY SET THE THERMOSTAT BETWEEN 18-21 DEGREES SAVE 105 FOR EVERY 1 DEGREE YOU TURN IT DOWN ACROSS THE YEAR SET TIMERS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HEATING TURN RADIATOR TRV s DOWN IN ROOMS YOU USE LESS CLOSE CURTAINS & BLINDS TO KEEP HEAT IN AT NIGHT 11
LOW COST DIY STEPS TO A WARMER HOME REFLECTIVE PANELS BEHIND RADIATORS - Cost: 7 for a 4m roll Saving: 25/Yr. These can reflect 50% of the heat which would be lost into the wall, back into the room SEAL OFF UNUSED CHIMNEYS Cost: 10- 20 Saving: 65/Yr (40m3 warm air per hour escapes up open chimneys. This creates draughts meaning warm air needs replacing) DRAUGHT PROOFING DOORS & WINDOWS: Cost from 1 - Saving: 45/Yr USE AIRER TO DRY LAUNDRY: Cost from 10 Radiators aren t blocked, Reduces Condensation, Avoids tumble dryer saving up to 200 per year 12
Smart Meters What are the facts? There is some confusion around smart meters: You can set target budgets You won t save money just by having one Great to teach children about energy saving and encourage conservation behaviours Automatic meter readings mean you pay for what you use, with no more estimates and less hassle Easily view the credit/debit status of your account You can see in how much you are using, and how much you save when you turn things off! Contact your supplier to discuss further or arrange to have a smart meter fitted 13
HELP PAYING YOUR ENERGY BILLS AND MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY WHAT HELP IS AVAILABLE? WARM HOMES DISCOUNT WINTER FUEL PAYMENT BOILER REPAIR GRANT SCHEME BETTER HOMES YORKSHIRE MONEY ADVICE SERVICE ENERGY COMPANY OBLIGATIONS (ECO/ECOFLEX) ENERGY SUPPLIER TRUST FUNDS GREEN HOMES GRANT WATER BILL CAP FOR HEALTH ISSUES OR LOW-INCOME 14
ENERGY BILL PAYMENT SUPPORT What support is available to help pay rising costs? Warm Homes Discount Cold Weather Payment You ll get 25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather (zero degrees) between 1 November and 31 March. Eligible through certain benefits or mortgage interest support - 150 credited to your account -If you get Pension Credit -If you have low income -Apply through your provider Discounts & Savings Yorkshire Water WaterSure: Capped bill if you re on certain benefits, have medical conditions resulting in higher usage, or 3+ children. Community Trust grants for debts Winter Fuel Payment An automatic payment of between 100- 300 paid once you reach a certain age
HELP PAYING YOUR ENERGY BILLS WARM HOMES DISCOUNT WINTER FUEL PAYMENT 150 credited to your account 100- 300 Born before set date each year to qualify Apply directly through supplier Anyone on pension credits Should receive automatically from the government Low-income households The money won t be paid to you directly. If you are a credit customer it ll be added to your electricity account. And if you re on Pay As You Go, you ll be sent a voucher that you can use to top-up your meter Most payments are made in November and December. Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre if you do not receive your payment as expected 16
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR FUEL DEBTS Money Helper/National Debt Line Funds Energy Supplier Trust Step Change Debt Charity Provide general advice and support If you re in debt, you may get a charitable grant to pay it off British Gas offer these whether you re a customer or not Other providers offer them only to customers You need to have received debt advice Charis Grants or Citizens Advice can help with applications Experts in debt management Help with all types of debt and have multiple solutions to suit you Set up Debt Management Plan Assist with writing off debt (DRO) Provide mental health support Always contact your supplier first, as they can arrange payment plans Free and impartial Create a financial plan to help manage income Income/outgoing calculator tool Government endorsed
Regularly Compare Suppliers It s important to check you re on the best tariff for your energy Even if your bill says you re on our best deal , there may be another company who can offer it cheaper Weigh up the pros & cons of switching; are there early exit fees, what s the payment method, customer service options with new provider is it all online, is the price variable, what s the length of the contract? Simply Switch and Citizens Advice Comparison Tool give free and impartial results, meaning there aren t any sponsored adverts. Simply Switch also have a phone number if you prefer to call: 0800 011 1395 18
Priority Services Registers Utility providers offer Priority Services Registers for vulnerable customers You will be notified of any disruption to the services e.g. a power cut, given regular updates and any support you need until it s back to normal These are especially targeted at older people, anyone with health conditions or disabilities, people with medical equipment requiring electricity or water, and people with medication which needs to be kept in the fridge Northern Powergrid operate the energy network and have their own PSR Yorkshire Water have a PSR Your supplier may also have a similar register to join for priority notifications 19
Your Rights as a Tenant Council, Housing Association and Private Tenants often face difficulty getting essential work carried out Shelter and Citizens Advice can give free expert advice when you have a dispute The landlord must have a Gas Safe engineer service your boiler annually If your boiler is faulty, you have poor insulation or something breaks down, the landlord must repair or improve it. Housing Association tenants should have a support worker assigned to assess any issues and help with the process of getting issues resolved Grants for private owners are often the same grants available to private landlords, but landlords may have to contribute financially towards any work Housing Associations and Councils should run their own schemes and do any work which is required 20
Better Homes Yorkshire Homeowners, private tenants and landlords will be able to install energy-saving technology completely free of charge (alternative schemes for social housing tenants) Free Solar PV Up to 4kwh system enough power for household of 5 For anyone with EPC of E,F,G Apply online OR email hedley.purton@acooleelectrical.co.uk Availability varies by local council Discounted New A-Rated Boiler Save 305 a year on bills New boiler for under 2000 Apply online or call 0800 597 1500 Free Insulation Cavity wall, Loft, Attic Room EPC ratings D,E,F,G Apply online OR email wayne.kenwards@eclipseenergy.co.uk Email: ourfuturebeeston@gmail.com Call:07543 421 520
Solar: Facts and Benefits Is solar right for you? If there is visible light, your system will generate energy cloudy or not Installation takes around 3 days, then you can track how much energy it generates Incredibly safe, no danger of chemical leaks or toxic fumes 4KWh system powers household of 5 people Silent to run so minimal impact on immediate environment GET PAID for excess energy you produce South facing, unshaded rooftops are ideal, but almost any house can have solar fitted. You can arrange a survey of your house through Better Homes Yorkshire, to check if your property is suitable Apply for FREE solar with Better Homes Yorkshire
ENVIRONMENTALHEALTH: how to beat climate anxiety 45% of young people say worrying about climate change affects their daily life Climate anxiety is a reasonable response to a real, existential threat Birth-rates are down because people are thinking twice about the impact that having children has on the planet, and the state of world they will grow up in Do your bit, start feeling better: Adopt energy saving behaviour Get a reusable cup or bottle to reduce waste Use public transport, lift-share or cycle to school or work Volunteer with a climate charity and campaign for change It doesn t need to be perfect, millions doing a little is better than a handful doing a lot
